Subtle upgrades, new cocktail menu the latest at Level 2: Out with Sara

Practically the only true "nightclub" left in downtown Harrisburg, Level 2, the second-story late night spot located upstairs from Cafe Fresco, recently underwent renovations to update the five year-old venue.

Photo by Sara Bozich

Level 2 closed for a few days last month to update its look and install new lighting. Owner Nick Laus took inspiration from books, magazines and trips to other clubs to refresh Level 2's VIP section.

New, cozier furniture replaces the longtime couches and ottomans of seasons past. The front windows, which always showcased the disconnect between the club's VIP section and a busy Second Street, now have been frosted with a custom design that is not only attractive, but also ties in the room and separates it from the less sleek street below.

Photo by Sara Bozich

Lighting continues to be a major factor in the nightclub industry, and Level 2's VIP section is now decked out with some of the latest and greatest in the industry. It is complemented by a series of flat-screen monitors used to display the Level 2 logo -- and is customizable for private events, functions or even club theme nights. It is run by the same software used for stadium concerts and in some of the world's biggest nightclubs.

Level 2 not only updated its look but also revamped its cocktail menu. The new version features lots of bourbon and my favorite secret ingredient, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, in handcrafted cocktails for $10 and $12.

My picks includes the Cucumber Cosmo ($12) made with Hendricks gin, cucumber and cranberry juice; the Straight O ($10) with Maker's Mark, St. Germain and ginger ale; or the X-Press-O ($12), which combines XO Patron, Stoli Vanil, Kahlua, Dark Godiva and Bailey's.

A fall/winter food menu also is in the works for Level 2 and Cafe Fresco that will include half-priced appetizers 8-11 p.m. every Friday at Level 2.

Things to know about Level 2

1. Dress code -- It's called, "dress to impress," which became a way of acknowledging high-end denim as nightclub wear, but the reality is, dress up. We wore dresses or dark coated denim with a sheer top. Our good friends, donning relaxed jeans and beer T-shirts, were denied entry.

2. VIP -- I've been lucky enough to attend more than one bachelorette party at Level 2 (including my own), as well as other large group special events granting me VIP access. It is the way to go, especially if your group likes its liquor. Bottle service is top-notch. You get two servers and all the mixers your heart desires.

3. Cocktail menu -- Fewer than four in your party or you can't agree on the same bottle? I've never been disappointed by the cocktails at Level 2 or downstairs at Cafe Fresco.

4. Late night -- Plan to be out 'til the end. No matter how late we push dinner, we end up being one of the first ones in the club -- and while there's nothing wrong with that, don't expect the dance floor to be booming until midnight.